Man Charged with Murder Set for Trial Next Week

Dusty Wheeler is currently free on a $500,000 bond and required to live with his mother.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A 46-year-old man named Dusty Wheeler is set to go on trial next week in Baxter County Circuit Court/Criminal Division for a murder that occurred in June 2024. Wheeler was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after police found the body of a 36-year-old woman, Heather Bradford, outside a residence in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Wheeler was found asleep inside the home at the time.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around bail and bond decisions, as Wheeler was initially held on a $1 million bond before it was reduced to $500,000, allowing him to be released while awaiting trial. The murder also raises questions about public safety and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The details

According to the report, police were called to a residence along Sunny Ann Lane around 6 a.m. on June 14, 2024 and found Heather Bradford's body sitting in a lawn chair outside the house. She had been shot in the head. Wheeler was found asleep on the couch inside the home and was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He had entered a not guilty plea shortly after his arrest.

  • On June 14, 2024, police were called to a residence and found Heather Bradford's body.
  • Dusty Wheeler was arrested on June 14, 2024 and charged with first-degree murder.
  • Wheeler's trial is set to begin next week in Baxter County Circuit Court.

The players

Dusty Wheeler

A 46-year-old man who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Heather Bradford.

Heather Bradford

A 36-year-old woman who was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head outside a residence in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure justice is served in this tragic case.”

— Ben Burnett, Wheeler's Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide next week whether to allow Wheeler to remain free on bond during the trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around bail reform and the balance between public safety and presumption of innocence, as the defendant was initially held on a high bond but later released on a reduced $500,000 bond.